Splink | Loving Problem People

Stage a little competition to see how long family members can keep a balloon in the air (without it touching the ground). Give each family member a balloon. Blow up and tie each balloon. Time them to see who can keep it in the air longest. Then pair up family members, give each pair one balloon, and time them to see who can keep their balloon in the air longest.

Which was harder: keeping the balloon in the air by yourself or with a partner? (Probably with a partner) Why? (Sometimes my partner was supposed to hit the balloon and he failed; I couldn’t control what my partner did; etc.)

This reminds me of getting along with people. It is not always easy to get along with others. Even when we try to be kind and helpful, they do not.

Read Romans 12:18.What does it tell us to do? We can’t control what others do, but as much as it depends on us, we must try to get along with people.

Splink 2:

To Do and Not To Do

Students looked at Bible verses to learn ways to deal with difficult people. Read Matthew 18:15-17 together and discuss some things to do.

What are some other things you can do when you are dealing with a difficult person/bully? (Speak to the person and stand up to them; if they won’t listen, invite others to go and talk with them; ask a parent, adult, teacher, or principal for help; pray for him/her; avoid the person; ask friends to stand with you; etc.)

There is not just one right way to deal with difficult people. God’s Word tells us to speak up to the person who has “offended” or hurt us. Sometimes they may not have realized what they have done. (Sometimes they may have just been mean!) So look the other person in the eye and tell him/her how you feel about what he/she has done. If he/she won’t listen, take someone else with you and both of you talk with that person. If the person still continues hurting you, talk to someone in authority—a parent, teacher, coach, principal, etc. Then if nothing seems to work, avoid this person.

What are some things you shouldn’t do? (Try to get revenge; hate the person; become a bully—people who bully others have sometimes been bullied themselves; try to physically hurt the other person; etc.)

It is nearly impossible to love difficult people without God’s help. We must first ask God to help us have the right attitude. We must ask for wisdom to know what to do. We must not try to get revenge or hurt them back. We may need to avoid them as much as possible. It is not always possible to get along with everyone, butGod’s Word can help us.

Splink 3:

Banding Together

Watch a three-minute video of five boys who decided to show caring to a boy who had been bullied: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/06/01/inspiration-nation-bullying/28303975/

James Willmert, a fifth-grader had a learning disability and was often teased by other students.

Splink is a simple way to link your family together spiritually. Through FREE weekly emails packed with ideas, Splink helps you and your family engage in conversation. Whether it’s making memories or having fun together, Splink allows you to capture those teachable moments to impress spiritual truths and life lessons on your kids. No matter where you are, there’s always time to Splink!

Known for the D6 Conference and D6 Curriculum, Randall House helps lead the family ministry conversation. Randall House provides events, opportunities and resources to help you do generational discipleship at church and at home. For more information, visit randallhouse.com.